Pilgrims climb Mount Arafat

PublishedThursday, October 25, 2012

Muslim pilgrims walk up Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

A Muslim pilgrim prays on Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

Muslim pilgrims sign their names on rocks at Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

A Muslim pilgrim prays near Mount Arafat on October. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

A Muslim pilgrim sits as another lays on ground near Mount Arafat. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

A Muslim pilgrim writes her name on rocks at Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

A Muslim pilgrim walk up Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

A Muslim pilgrim prays on Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)

A Muslim pilgrim prays on Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca. The annual hajj pilgrimage started in earnest today, with more than two million Muslims thronging roads on foot and by bus for a five-day journey of faith most have spent their entire lives waiting for. (AFP)